Sewing Secrets: Mastering the Art of Working with Faux Fur

Faux fur has been gaining popularity in recent years as a fashionable and cruelty-free alternative to real animal fur. From cozy coats to statement accessories, faux fur adds a touch of luxury and warmth to any outfit. But what if you want to take your love for faux fur to the next level and learn how to sew with it? Fear not, as we have all the tips and tricks you need to master this skill in our article on “How To Sew With Faux Fur.” Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sewer, this guide will provide you with the necessary tools and techniques to create stunning pieces with faux fur. So let’s dive in and uncover the secrets of sewing with this luxurious fabric.

Understanding Faux Fur

Faux fur is a type of fabric that is designed to mimic the look and feel of real animal fur. It is made from synthetic materials such as acrylic, polyester, and nylon. Faux fur has become a popular alternative to real fur in the fashion industry due to ethical concerns surrounding the use of animal fur.

One of the main benefits of using faux fur in sewing projects is that it is much more affordable than real fur. Faux fur can also be manipulated and dyed in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a versatile material for crafting. However, working with faux fur can be tricky if you are not familiar with its properties.

Types of Faux Fur

Before you start sewing with faux fur, it’s important to understand the different types available in the market. The most common types are plush faux fur, which has a longer pile and resembles animal hair, and short-pile faux fur, which has a denser texture and mimics sheepskin or mink.

Plush faux fur can vary in thickness and density, so it’s important to choose one that suits your project. For example, thicker plush faux furs are best for making coats or blankets while thinner ones are more suitable for accessories like scarves or hats. Short-pile faux furs are ideal for garments that require a sleek look such as vests or jackets.

Preparing Your Fabric

One key step in working with faux fur is preparing your fabric before sewing. New faux furs tend to have an overly shiny appearance due to a coating added during production. This coating can make it difficult to sew accurately as pins may not hold well in place.

To get rid of this coating, gently brush your fabric with a soft-bristled brush or run it through a cold cycle in your washing machine without any detergent. Once dry, the fur will look more natural and the fabric will be easier to work with.

Tools and Techniques for Sewing with Faux Fur

To achieve a professional-looking faux fur project, it’s important to use the right tools and techniques. Here are some tips to consider:

Use a walking foot: A walking foot helps feed fabric evenly under the sewing machine’s presser foot. This is particularly useful when sewing thick faux fur fabrics.
Start with a small project: If you are new to sewing with faux fur, it’s best to start with a smaller project like a scarf or hat before moving on to bigger projects.
Cut from the back: When cutting faux fur, always cut from the back using sharp scissors or an x-acto knife. This will help prevent visible cut lines on the front of your project.
Pinning and stitching: Instead of using regular straight pins, use long quilting pins or clips to hold your fabric in place. When stitching, sew from back to front and adjust your stitch length for a smooth finish.

Faux Fur Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are important for ensuring that your faux fur projects retain their quality over time. When washing faux fur items such as blankets or pillows, use cold water on gentle cycle and only use mild detergent specifically made for delicate fabrics.

For spot cleaning, gently dab the affected area with warm water and mild soap. Avoid rubbing as this can damage the fibers of the fabric. Then dry with a clean towel or hang in a well-ventilated area.

If your faux fur garment has become matted or tangled after being stored for some time, gently brush the fur with a soft bristle brush to restore its texture.

Sewing with faux fur may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools, techniques, and knowledge of the fabric, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Remember to take extra care when preparing your fabric and always use the appropriate tools for a professional finish. And most importantly, have fun experimenting with this versatile and cruelty-free fabric!

Benefits of Sewing with Faux Fur

Sewing with faux fur may seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, there are plenty of benefits to working with this luxurious fabric. Here are some reasons why you should give faux fur a try in your next sewing project:

1. Cost-effective: Faux fur is a much more affordable alternative to real fur. It has the same look and feel without the hefty price tag. This makes it perfect for budget-friendly sewing projects.

2. Variety: Faux fur comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, giving you endless design options. You can choose from natural-looking animal prints to vibrant bold colors to suit your style and preference.

3. Easy to sew: Unlike real fur, which requires special needles and tools, faux fur can be sewn with regular sewing equipment. This makes it easier for beginners to work with and eliminates the need for specialized equipment.

4. Animal-friendly: As the name suggests, faux fur is made from synthetic materials, meaning that no animals are harmed in its production. If you have ethical concerns about using real animal fur, faux fur is a great alternative.

5. Versatile: Faux fur is not just limited to clothing items like coats and jackets; it can also be used for home decor projects such as pillows, throws, and even upholstery. Its versatility makes it a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts.

Tips on Sewing with Faux Fur

Sewing with faux fur requires some special techniques to achieve professional-looking results. Here are some tips that will help you get started:

1. Choose the right needle: Use a larger-sized needle when sewing with faux fur to prevent the fabric from getting stuck or tangled in the machine. A universal 90/14 needle works well for most faux furs.

2. Cut correctly: To cut faux fur, lay the fabric with the backing facing up and use a sharp pair of scissors to cut only through the backing. Avoid cutting through the fur itself to prevent shedding.

3. Use the right stitch: While a straight stitch is suitable for most fabrics, it may not be strong enough for faux fur. Consider using a longer stitch length and try experimenting with a zigzag or three-step zigzag stitch to ensure durability.

4. Don’t backstitch: Instead of backstitching at the beginning and end of your seam, leave long thread tails that can be manually tied off and hidden within the seam. This will prevent bulky knots from forming on the right side of your fabric.

5. Brush out seam allowances: After sewing, use a stiff brush or a pet slicker brush to lightly brush out any seam allowances that may have been caught in between the fur fibers. This will create a seamless look and prevent any unwanted fuzz around the seams.

6. Be patient: Sewing with faux fur can take some time and patience, especially when cutting and sewing around curves or intricate designs. Take your time and work slowly to avoid mistakes that may ruin your project.

Caring for Your Faux Fur Sewn Items

To keep your faux fur items in top condition, proper care is key. Here are some tips on how to care for your faux fur:

1. Avoid washing: Unless specifically stated on the label or instructions, it’s best to avoid washing faux fur items as water can damage them or cause shedding. Instead, spot-clean any stains or dirt using warm water and mild soap.

2. Hand-washing only: If you must wash your faux fur item, do it by hand in cold water using mild detergent specifically made for delicate fabrics like silk or wool.

3. Dry clean when necessary: For more stubborn stains or heavy soiling, it’s best to take your faux fur item to a professional dry cleaner. Make sure to inform them that the fabric is faux fur to ensure proper cleaning techniques are used.

4. Hang to dry: After spot-cleaning or hand-washing, avoid using a dryer as the heat can damage or melt the faux fur fibers. Instead, hang your item in a well-ventilated area to air dry.

5. Brush regularly: To keep your faux fur’s plush look and feel, brush it regularly with a stiff brush or pet slicker brush. This will also help remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the fibers.

Getting Creative with Faux Fur

Faux fur is not just limited to traditional sewing projects like coats and pillows. Here are some creative ways you can incorporate faux fur into your next DIY project:

1. Faux fur scarves: Create stylish and warm accessories by adding faux fur trim to an ordinary scarf or making one entirely out of faux fur.

2. Christmas stockings: Give your holiday decorations a touch of luxury by using faux fur as the fabric for your Christmas stockings.

3. Pet beds: Keep your furry friends cozy during colder months by sewing them a pet bed made of soft faux fur.

4. Statement bags: Add a statement piece to

1. What is the best way to sew with faux fur?
The best way to sew with faux fur is by using a long, sharp needle and a heavy-duty thread. You can also use a sewing machine with a walking foot attachment for easier handling of the thick and bulky fabric.

2. How do I prepare the faux fur before sewing?
Before sewing, you should lay out the faux fur on a flat surface and gently brush the surface with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to smooth out any tangled hairs. You can also shake it lightly to remove any excess debris or fluff.

3. How do I cut faux fur without making a mess?
To cut faux fur without making a mess, turn the fabric over and use a sharp pair of scissors to cut only through the backing material. This will prevent the long strands of faux fur from falling out and creating a messy work area.

4. Can I iron or steam my faux fur fabric?
No, you should not iron or steam your faux fur fabric as it may damage the fibers and cause them to melt or become matted. Instead, use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to remove any wrinkles or creases.

5. How can I prevent my sewing machine from getting stuck while working with faux fur?
To prevent your sewing machine from getting stuck while working with faux fur, place tissue paper between the fabric layers before sewing. This will help keep the fibers from slipping and getting caught in the machine’s mechanism.

6. What type of stitch should I use when sewing with faux fur?
It is best to use a longer stitch length (around 3-4mm) when sewing with faux fur as it will help prevent the fabric from bunching up or causing tension issues. You can also use a zig-zag stitch, which is more flexible and allows for easier movement of the fabric.

In conclusion, learning how to sew with faux fur can open up a whole new world of creative opportunities for both beginner and experienced sewists. By following the tips and techniques mentioned in this guide, one can successfully work with faux fur fabric and create beautiful and stylish garments and accessories. It is essential to carefully prepare the fabric, use appropriate tools and techniques, and have patience while working with faux fur. Additionally, it is crucial to consider ethical factors when choosing faux fur as an alternative to real fur. By embracing the versatility of faux fur and mastering the art of sewing with it, anyone can add a touch of glamour and luxury to their wardrobe without causing any harm to animals. So, whether you’re making a cozy winter coat or a statement piece for a special occasion, keep these key points in mind and let your creativity flow as you sew with faux fur!

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.